Youth Programs

Rippleffect programs help youth build confidence, develop critical leadership skills, strengthen relationships, and grow their appreciation for the outdoors through exploration of Cow Island, the waters of Casco Bay, and the wilderness of New England. Our programs offer something for everyone! Join us for the adventure.

Rippleffect now offers four seasons of outdoor adventure through our Treks program. Lace up your boots and grab a paddle for this ten-day wilderness adventure that begins with backpacking and rock climbing in the White Mountains before heading to the ocean for a multi-day sea-kayaking expedition.

Rippleffect now offers four seasons of outdoor adventure through our Treks program. Join the Rippleffect Winter Trek Team as they explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire! This seriously fun 3-day/2-night adventure is limited to 12 participants, so contact Rippleffect to hold your spot today. No prior experience is necessary.

Rippleffect now offers four seasons of outdoor adventure through our Treks program. These sea kayaking adventures offer the opportunity to explore the beautiful islands of Casco Bay while learning valuable outdoor living and leadership skills.

Our twelve-day Cow Island Environmental Leadership Program (CELP) teaches local high school students skills to help cope with challenging situations, recognize their individual potential, and become an effective leader among their peers and in their community.

Our one week Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) teaches local high school students skills to help cope with challenging situations, recognize their individual potential, and become an effective leader among their peers and in their community.

Rippleffect believes that hands-on education in outdoor classrooms is fundamental to the healthy development of citizens and communities. Cow Island Project Graduations are an exciting, substance-free adventure for seniors following their graduation from high school.

Rippleffect believes that hands-on education in outdoor classrooms is fundamental to the healthy development of citizens and communities. Rippleffect Outdoor Leadership Education (ROLE) brings the best of Rippleffect’s curriculum to local middle schools during the fall, winter, spring and late spring quarters of each year. Our guides travel to participating schools one afternoon each week to teach leadership and outdoor skills.

Rippleffect believes that hands-on education in outdoor classrooms is fundamental to the healthy development of citizens and communities. Rippleffect is committed to providing outdoor adventure and experiential education in outdoor classrooms to Maine youth. Rippleffect school orientations and leadership programs are intended to instill students with a sense of confidence and cohesiveness as a class.

Our School Vacation Adventure Camps occur during the school vacation weeks in February and April and integrate leadership, environmental studies, outdoor living skills, and team building into a FUN educational experience. For our April Break Camp daily activities include rock climbing, zip lining, and exploring local beach ecology and tide pools.

Our School Vacation Adventure Camps occur during the school vacation weeks in February and April and integrate leadership, environmental studies, outdoor living skills, and team building into a FUN educational experience. For our February Break Camp daily activities include snowshoeing in Bradbury State Park, learning navigational skills through interactive scavenger hunts, cross country skiing, and much more.

In this week-long overnight program, Islanders will sea kayak, explore the Cow Island challenge course, play intensely fun games, and learn wilderness camping and cooking skills. Students will put their new outdoor living skills to practice on a one-night paddle to a neighboring Casco Bay island.

Our Aucocisco programs offer young adventurers the opportunity to explore our island home, learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, experience our zip line, go rock wall climbing, and make new friends. For our older day students, this week-long program is open to youth aged 12-14 years old. Daily activities include longer day paddles in Casco Bay, ropes course challenges, and an introduction to outdoor living skills. Waves will stay overnight in Cow Island base camps on Thursday of the program week.

Our Aucocisco programs offer young adventurers the opportunity to explore our island home, learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, experience our zip line, go rock wall climbing, and make new friends. This week-long program is for youth aged 10 to 12 years old. Ripples students have the option to stay overnight in Cow Island yurts on Thursday of the program week. Every participant is sure to be challenged and engaged whether they are returning or new to Rippleffect.

Our Aucocisco programs offer young adventurers the opportunity to explore our island home, learn the fundamentals of sea kayaking, experience our zip line, go rock wall climbing, and make new friends. This week-long program is for our youngest participants, youth aged 8-10 years old. Students learn about community through the building of new friendships, interactive games and fun team building activities.

Outdoor LivingWilderness camping and cooking skills, appropriate layering techniques, nutrition, hygiene, and general life skills that are critical to surviving and thriving in an outdoor environment. Special emphasis on Leave No Trace wilderness ethics.

Leadership DevelopmentChallenge course elements (high and low elements), climbing wall, group initiatives, games and team-building activities that cultivate skills in conflict resolution, small group problem solving and communication. Activities focus around 3 tiers of leadership: self, peer and community.

SpiritHelping students find a place of centered peace and comfort in their own solitude. Yoga, solos, journaling and group reflections and debriefs are critical aspects of all of our youth programs.